Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Platform, has introduced its Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) to support fleet operators in adhering to the new guidelines set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which will take effect from April 2025.
Addressing the DVSA Guidelines with EBPMS
The DVSA guidelines mandate thatconduct four laden brake performance assessments annually through roller brake tests (RBTs). These tests require time and financial investment, potentially disrupting fleet operations. However, by adopting a compliant EBPMS, can continuously monitor brake performance, potentially reducing the frequency of physical brake tests.
Samsara’s EBPMS, integrated into its new Smart Trailer solution, is designed to automate and streamline the monitoring of braking performance. This solution enables operators to maintain compliance seamlessly while minimizing operational disruptions.
David Gal, Vice President of Product and Engineering at Samsara, highlighted the significance of this innovation:
“The introduction of EBPMS marks a major step forward for safety and operational efficiency. Our new system enables proactive maintenance, minimizing costly failures and vehicle downtime. By leveraging real-time data from the trailer’s electronic braking systems (EBS) via our Asset Gateway, fleet operators can address braking issues before they become problematic and could save fleets up to £1,200 per trailer annually.”
Industry Response to Samsara’s EBPMS
The industry has responded positively to the introduction of the EBPMS. Lancashire-based Fox Brothers, a company specializing in the haulage of aggregates and recycled materials, is eager to integrate Samsara’s EBPMS into its fleet of over 80 lorries.
Simon Colderley, Transport Manager at Fox Brothers, stated:
“We’re keen to implement Samsara’s new EBPMS solution across our trailer fleet to meet compliance requirements. Rather than taking trailers off the road for manual testing, being able to import performance data directly will make testing much easier – especially since our fleet operates nationwide.”
Lee Wills, Director of Conway Bailey Transport Ltd / RR Transport Ltd, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Samsara’s reliability and ease of use:
“When the Samsara team promises something, they follow through. Samsara’s EBPMS will provide a one-stop solution for our trailer compliance needs. The ‘plug and play’ nature of Samsara ensures simple and fast installation and consolidates our trailer information requirements into a single system rather than a mix of individual systems.”
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Regulatory Alignment
In addition to brake performance monitoring, the new DVSA guidelines are part of a broader push towards technologically enhanced fleet management. Another key development in this space is the mandatory implementation of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) for new trailers in the EU from July 2024. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, it continues to align with several vehicle safety standards, making TPMS adoption likely.
Samsara’s TPMS, a component of its Smart Trailer solution currently in open beta, provides real-time tyre pressure and temperature monitoring. The system sends instant alerts to fleet managers and drivers, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of expensive breakdowns. This ensures vehicle safety and efficiency on the road.
The Smart Trailer Solution: A Comprehensive Approach
The EBPMS and TPMS are key components of Samsara’s broader Smart Trailer solution. This innovative system is designed to improve fleet efficiency, lower operational costs, and enhance overall safety.
Key Features of Samsara’s Smart Trailer Solution:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking:
- Enables 24/7 visibility of powered and unpowered trailers.
- Displays trailer locations, movement history, and usage patterns.
- Geofencing Technology:
- Allows users to set virtual boundaries around critical locations such as depots, yards, and customer sites.
- Sends alerts if trailers are moved without authorization.
- Real-Time Security and Safety Alerts:
- Notifies managers of unauthorized trailer tampering, unexpected door openings, and suspicious movements outside of operational hours.
- Monitors temperature and humidity fluctuations to ensure sensitive cargo remains within acceptable conditions.
- Connected Operations Platform:
- Enables fleets to manage their assets efficiently at scale.
- Tracks and analyzes trailer utilization, helping operators make data-driven decisions about asset allocation.
- Smart Sensors for Condition Monitoring:
- Detects security breaches, ambient condition changes, tyre pressure levels, and brake pad wear.
With a unified platform, Samsara’s Smart Trailer solution provides fleet managers with a centralized, real-time dashboard to oversee their entire trailer fleet. The solution enhances visibility, promotes proactive maintenance, and optimizes resource utilization.
The Future of Fleet Compliance and Efficiency
As fleet operators navigate evolving regulatory requirements, Samsara’s technology-driven solutions offer a streamlined approach to compliance. The EBPMS not only helps fleets meet the upcoming DVSA guidelines but also enhances safety, minimizes vehicle downtime, and reduces maintenance costs.
By integrating advanced monitoring systems such as TPMS and GPS tracking, Samsara ensures that fleet managers have the data they need to make informed decisions, optimize efficiency, and maintain compliance with industry standards.
The launch of Samsara’s EBPMS underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in fleet management, ensuring safer, more reliable, and cost-effective operations for fleet operators in the UK and beyond.
